Non-credit summer learning courses will appear on transcripts and are intended for students to build new skills and knowledge, and to get early exposure to the middle and secondary school curricula.
Please note attendance is mandatory. Students who miss two classes will be automatically withdrawn.
Classes will run, in-person, at New Westminster Secondary School on the following days for the 2025 summer period:
- Monday to Friday from July 2 to July 18 in the morning and afternoon.
- Morning classes run from 8:55 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Afternoon classes run from 12:30 p.m. to 3:05 p.m.
How to register
Registration is only open to students who are currently enrolled within the New Westminster Schools (SD40) system.
- Registration for summer learning 2025 will be available in spring.
2024 non-credit courses (for reference only)
Language arts
| COURSE | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| Creative Writing 6-8 | Develop a writing portfolio that showcases strategies and techniques practiced throughout the course.Develop tools for future creative pursuits, both inside and outside the classroom. |
| Linguistics and Grammar for Language Learners 8-10 | This course teaches grammatical comprehension basics that will make learning languages easier. This course is for students who already know English but are learning other languages. |
| French Immersion Enrichment 6-8 | Increase your familiarity with written and spoken French through stories, research, and debate. |
| Japanese Language and Culture 8-10 | Learn some written and spoken Japanese and gain basic exposure to Japanese culture.Explore Japanese crafts, food, cultural practices, and pick up travel tips. |
| English Language Learning (ELL) Levels 1 and 2 – Gr. 6-10 | This course is designed to support beginner ELL students in improving their speaking, reading, listening, and writing skills.Students will be reading from a wide variety of introductory level reading passages to enhance their comprehension.Students will use basic grammatical concepts and implement them in writing. |
| English Language Learning (ELL) Levels 3 and 4 – Gr. 6-10 | This course is designed to support beginner ELL students in improving their speaking, reading, listening, and writing skills.Students will be reading from a wide variety of introductory level reading passages to enhance their comprehension.Students will use basic grammatical concepts and implement them in writing. |
Music and the arts
| COURSE | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| Beginner Guitar 8-12 | Learn the basics of playing a guitar through group exercises and individual support. No previous musical experience necessary!Instruments supplied for in-class use. |
| Integrated Studies ELA and Moviemaking 7-9 | Expand your language skills through film.Students will write, perform, shoot, and edit a film in this course. |
| Visual Arts 6-7 | Explore personal, social, and environmental connections through mediums like sketching, painting, and sculpting.Note: $35 fee for materials. |
Science, mathematics, and technology
| COURSE | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| Introduction to Robotics 8-9 | Play and work with robots!Become familiar with the software and hardware used in grade 9-12 tech and robotics courses.Material fees TBD. |
| Introduction to Web Development 9-10 | Learn web design basics from software tools to copyright, fair use, security, and privacy.A full credit course is also available this year. |
| Literacy and Numeracy Skills 7-9 | Build foundations for future success with focused work tailored to individual students on math and English skills, work habits, and motivation.Taught cooperatively by a mathematics teacher and English teacher. |
| Mathematics Skill Building 6-7 | Preview grade 7 math if you’ve completed grade 6.Strengthen your skills if you’ve finished grade 7 and are going into grade 8.Grade 5 students with strong math performance may also apply. |
| Mathematics Skill Building 9 | Preview grade 9 math if you’ve completed grade 8.Strengthen your skills if you’ve finished grade 9 and are going into grade 10. |
| Science Explorations 7-9 | Hands-on introduction to scientific knowledge and lab techniques in a high school-level classroom.Note: $35 fee for materials |
Fitness and life skills
| COURSE | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| Basketball Skills 6-8 | Intensive summer program to elevate your basketball skills while fostering teamwork and sportsmanship. |
| Fitness Through Frisbee Sports 7-9 | Develop fitness and life-long skills through ultimate frisbee and frisbee golf. |
| Fitness Through Volleyball and Dance 6-8 | Dynamic course that integrates fundamental skills of volleyball and dance.Course emphasizes physical literacy, teamwork, and creativity. |
| Foundations of Wellness Skills 8-10 | Learn skills that will help you and others make good decisions, set and meet goals, build healthy boundaries and relationships, and resolve conflicts. |
| Introduction to Accounting, Investment, and Taxes 9-12 | Learn essential financial life skills from budgeting to taxes to basic investing. |